CM Mamata urges CJI Kant to ‘protect the people’ at Bengal event amid ED row

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday described the inauguration of the Calcutta High Court’s circuit bench at Jalpaiguri in North Bengal as a “historic moment and a milestone” for the region, underlining that safeguarding the Constitution, judiciary and democracy is a shared responsibility of all. Addressing the inaugural ceremony, she stressed unity and said there should be no discrimination based on caste, religion or community, urging everyone to move forward together.

At the event, attended by senior members of the judiciary including Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, Banerjee appealed to the judiciary to protect the Constitution, democracy, history and geography of the country. She said the Chief Justice was the guardian of the Constitution and urged protection of people from being wrongly targeted, including by investigative agencies. Reports said Justice Kant was present but did not publicly respond to the remarks.

The Chief Minister praised the newly built judicial complex, saying the work completed would be remembered forever and describing the facility as even better than the original Calcutta High Court building. She said more than Rs. 500 crore had been spent on the complex spread over 40.08 acres, with six fully functional courtrooms and 80 residential quarters for judges, including a special bungalow for the Chief Justice.

Highlighting the state government’s investment in strengthening the justice delivery system, Banerjee said that despite central funds being withheld, the state has spent over Rs. 1,200 crore so far, apart from the expenditure on the circuit bench. She added that 88 fast-track courts have been set up across West Bengal, including women’s courts, POCSO courts, labour courts and human rights courts.

In her address, Banerjee urged judges to support young and junior lawyers who are struggling and require better facilities. She also expressed concern over the growing trend of media trials, warning that defaming individuals before verdicts are delivered is dangerous for democracy, and appealed to the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and constitutional values.